History

1892 and 1894 Two attempts to create an alpine garden by Russian botanists (Seluchin in 1892 near the Jaman lake and Jaczewski in 1894 on the northern slope of the Rochers-de-Naye) were abandoned for various reasons.

1896 The Geneva botanist Henri Corrévon took over and created the present garden.

The alpine garden “La Rambertia”, dedicated to the memory of Eugène Rambert (1830-1886), professor of French literature, Vaudois poet, amateur naturalist and enthusiastic member of the Swiss Alpine Club, is a private garden belonging to the society of the same name.

According to the society statutes, dated the 8th of June 1896, the garden is intended for the culture of plants from the mountainous regions of Europe (particularly of Switzerland) and also from other continents as well all the studies and scientific observations concerning them.

1904 The Rambertia organised the First Internartional Congress of Alpine Gardens at Rochers-de-Naye under the presidency of Prince Roland Bonaparte.

1971 For the 75th anniversary a small volume was published containing, among other subjects, a list of the cultivated plants.

1996 The 100th anniversary was celebrated with special emphasis on Nepal, a country rich in rare plants from high altitudes and thriving in tough climatic conditions, similar to those on the Rochers-de-Naye.

On the same occasion, the “Himalayan” rock garden was created, a Stoupa, a Buddist symbol, was erected next to the path leading to the garden, and a Cross, the symbol of Christianity on the opposite mountain ridge.

In recognition towards this population, living in less favourable conditions than we do over here, the profits from the celebration went towards sponsoring a Nepalese school.

A new and well illustrated volume, giving a brief botanical survey, a list of some interesting plants of the garden and retracing the history of the Rambertia, has also been published for this event.

2004 In the summer of this year, the society organised the “Journées Techniques” (study days) of the JBF (Botanical Gardens of France and French Speaking Countries) and of the HBH (Horticus Botanicus Helveticus) the association of Swiss botanical gardens and collections.

La Rambertia keeps in contact with about a hundred other botanical and alpine gardens, particularly for the exchange of seeds, and is a member of the following associations: